Good Samaritan named 2012 Business of the Year

“This business has come a long way since 1963 and has made many positive changes to help the older population and even some younger people stay in their homes longer with the help of new technology and the outpatient therapy services.”

During the St. James Chamber of Commerce banquet held last weekend, Good Samaritan Society in St. James was named the 2012 business of the year. This is the fiftieth year the Good Samaritan Society has been in St. James and working with members of the community to enhance the lives of its residents.

“This business has come a long way since 1963 and has made many positive changes to help the older population and even some younger people stay in their homes longer with the help of new technology and the outpatient therapy services,” said one person who voted for Good Samaritan to receive the award.

Good Samaritan Society includes the Good Samaritan Home Care, Prairie Rehab, Pleasant View Skilled nursing, Prairie view Senior Housing and Brandt Ridge Assisted Living. They work with residents old and young to improve their standard of living and are in multiple communities in the area.

The Good Samaritan Society has been constantly growing and adding aspects to its business during the last fifty years.

“It’s been a wonderful blessing to be a part of this community and to see all of the changes that we’ve been involved with,” said Executive Director of Good Samaritan of St. James Tim Swoboda. “Since then we have been working with a lot of sensor technology and other technology to keep people independent and living in their own homes longer, so it’s been a privilege to see all of the changes in healthcare over the years.”

In order to become the chamber business of the year, you have to be in good standing with the chamber – which means you attend meetings, networking events, play a leadership role in the community, make additions or improvements in your business and contribute to other chamber businesses in some way or another. Finally you need to promote a positive image in and around the area of St. James. Good Samaritan fulfills all of these requirements.

Another person who nominated Good Samaritan for business of the year said “I have seen with my own eyes, the caring, loving that is there for their residents. It is good to know we have a facility as Good Sam for our friends and family.”

The chamber business of the year is an award voted on by all chamber members. Last years winner was Johnson’s Meat Market. Other nominees for this years award were Casey’s, Pioneer Bank, Armour-Eckrich, Paul’s Food, First National Bank, Gem Den, St. James Federal Savings and Loan and Gus Zender.